Privacy is becoming increasingly important. Although the devices have security systems, this does not exclude the possibility of becoming a victim of mobile espionage. You are more likely to run into these problems when a malicious application is installed, which usually seems harmless and is part of the cybercrime we are exposed to.

How do you know if your mobile is being spied on and what can you do to defend yourself?

First of all: check the privacy icons. If you open an app that uses the microphone or cameras, you will see that in iOS, a green (camera) or orange (microphone) dot appears top right. In Android may appear point, but also the icon of a camera or a microphone.

If these warnings appear and you are not using the camera or microphone, it is an indicator of unauthorized access.

What immediately stands out is that the battery is consumed more easily. If you are a regular user and use your device more or less every day, you will know approximately how long the battery will last. If it suddenly takes less time than usual, someone may have access to your data.

Exactly the same as with the battery, it can happen with the data. These malicious applications send the information abroad, drastically reducing your data. On a mobile Android you can easily check the data used by apps. in the meantime iOS can be checked in the Mobile data tab in Settings.

What to do about this situation?

In the case of Android, the ideal would be to check Play Protect, the antivirus that comes standard in Android and is responsible for periodically reviewing the apps we have installed on the phone.

In addition, the permissions that the applications have must be reviewed. With the latest versions of iOS and Android, it’s easier than ever to grant certain permissions to apps and ask them not to track. On Android, all you have to do is go to ‘Settings’, ‘Applications’ and there you have the list of apps.

In iOS you have to go to ‘Settings’, ‘Privacy and security’ and you will find different sections. For example, if you click “Microphone,” “Bluetooth,” or “Camera,” you’ll see the apps that have access. You can also view ‘Location’ or ‘Tracking’.

As a prevention method, remember not to install applications of unknown origin. The easiest way to spy on another mobile is when cybercriminals try to install malware on the mobile device by sending an email; Attackers send fake links or attachments in emails, which can put you at risk if you accept them.